Greece is well known for its sun soaked islands, gorgeous beaches, and the sparkling Aegean sea. Crete is the largest of Greece’s islands and, not surprisingly, is also one of the most popular due to the sheer amount of interesting things to do in Crete.
A holiday in Crete offers so much more than just lazing on the beach; add dramatic landscapes, hospitable locals, proud cultural traditions and not forgetting the fresh, zingy taste of a classic Greek salad.
And this is Greece, so you can’t go far without stumbling over some impressive, crumbling ruins that whisk you right back to the glory days of Ancient Greece.
Crete has been described as “the culmination of the Greek experience” for this is an island that really offers something for everyone with gastronomic delights, history and culture, outdoor adventures all ripe for exploration.
As it’s such a large island its best to stay in a more central location like Rethymno, Chania or Herkalion to be able to easily explore all the best things to do in Crete. You can find more tips on the different areas to stay in Crete here.
Crete has two international airports -Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ) and decent pubic transport, but hiring a car or scooter will mean you can get around the island easier and quicker and be able to explore more things.
Or take the stress out of driving and book yourself onto a guided tour or excursions that will show you the best of Crete. There are plenty available on Viator and Get Your Guide.
There are too many places to visit and things to do in Crete than you would be able to explore with 1 or 2 weeks holiday, so here is my pick of the 10 best worth making time for.
Here are 10 unique things to do in Crete, Greece
Hike Samaria Gorge
Europe’s longest gorge is one of the most popular things to do in Crete as it offers a spectacular journey through stunning scenery as well as the chance to see wild goats and wild flowers.
Start early to beat the heat and after a 6 hour challenging trek you are rewarded by finishing at the beach for a refreshing, much needed cooling dip and a cute taverna before catching the boat back around the coast.
The popularity of the Samaria Gorge hike means that it does get busy so if you want an easier, crowd free, gorge trek try Mili Gorge near Rethymnon. The winding track takes you through an old abandoned mill village, past tiny, cute churches and ends at a fabulously hospitable little taverna where the elderly owners offered us more free food than we could possibly eat!
Visit Knossos
The legendary 3,500 year old Minoan palace of Knossos is known as the oldest city in Europe and is one of the most popular things to do in Crete.
Knossos has been reconstructed in places making it easier to imagine King Minas in his palace. I still think it’s worth getting a guided tour to bring the legend of the Minotaur to life and be wowed by tales of the Minoan’s advanced civilization.
Explore Spinalonga “The Island”
The old Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island was once a leper colony but since being featured in Victoria Hislop’s novel ‘The Island’ it’s become a popular place to visit in Crete.
To get there, take a short boat trip from Plaka or Elounda on Crete’s east coast. Once on the island, explore inside the walls of the old fortress where the crumbling old Venetian and Ottoman stone houses have been witness to fascinating history. To bring the experience to life make sure you read the book first.
Visit Preveli beach
Crete has many stunning beaches but Preveli Beach is perhaps the best loved and most picturesque. As you descend the steep stairs cut into the cliff the uniqueness of Preveli Beach comes into view and you’ll understand why visiting this beach is one of the top things to do in Crete.
Preveli Beach is also known as Palm Beach due to the palm tree lined river that cuts through the soft black sand beach lapped by the turquoise waters of the Libyan sea. There is also a cliff top monastery nearby for an added dash of culture.
Discover Zeus’ Cave and Lassithi Plateau
Rugged Crete has over 3,000 caves but the Dikteon Cave, near the the village of Psyhro, on the Lassithi Plateau is the most famous.
According to legend, it was the cave in which the ancient Greek God Zeus was born and hidden from this father, Cronos, who apparently ate his offspring.
The caves is also is dripping with interesting stalagmites and stalactites and the windmill covered Lassithi Plateau offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in Crete.
Marvel at Elafonisi beach
On Crete’s west coast lies the heavenly tropical paradise of pristine Elafonisi Beach. Its fine white and pink sands and clear turquoise waters feel more Caribbean than Mediterranean. At low tide you can walk across the sandbar to Elafonisi Island too.
Elafonisis is not just the most beautiful beach in Crete but is in the running for one of the most beautiful in the world. (Along with Koukounaries Beach on Skiathos) If you’re lucky you may even spot dolphins frolicking off shore in the crystal clear waters or sea turtles nesting.
Explore Heraklion Archaeological Museum
This outstanding archaeological museum in Crete’s biggest town Heraklion (also called Iraklio) is one of the most important museums in Greece.
It focuses on Crete’s amazing history and culture, especially the sophisticated Minoan civilization as well as showcasing a broad range of artefacts bringing to life the impressive and influential history of Greece.
Wander around cute historical towns
Crete’s rich history is showcased in its eclectic mix of Venetian harbours and fortresses, Ottoman architecture, Turkish mosques and Byzantine churches.
Explore Hania’s grand Venetian harbour, visit the imposing fortress and wander the atmospheric lanes of Rethymnon’s quaint old town, browse for handicrafts, sample the cuisines in traditional tavernas and visit the many good museums.
Taste Cretan wine
Wine making starting in Crete over 4,000 years ago by the Minoan civilization. Soak in the glorious views of lush hills blanketed with sun blushed vines and enjoy tasting unique indigenous Cretan wines like award wining Lyrarakis.
Relax with yoga or take a siesta
Under the bright Cretan sun the way of life slows right down and Greece is the perfect place to relax with some gentle yoga and meditation practice, or maybe treat yourself to a massage. For the ultimate relaxation you could join a yoga and meditation retreat – Crete is home to some best yoga retreats in Greece after all!
Or simply join the locals and escape the heat of the afternoon by taking a long siesta or just finding a hammock in the shade to chill out or read a book listening the ever present chirp of the cicadas and find a sweet moment of peace and relaxation.
Because sometimes the best thing to do in Crete, is to simply do nothing! You’re on holiday after all!
Read More:
- Things to do in Skiathos, Greece’s Mamma Mia Island
- Tips for Visiting the Acropolis in Athens
- Top 5 European Weekend Breaks
- Best Places to Visit in Europe
- The Cheapest places to travel in Europe
- How to travel more sustainably in Europe
Have you been to Crete? What was your favourite thing to do?
